Clomifene

• Omifin

Clomifene citrate is an anti-oestrogenic drug that is prescribed to women to treat anovulatory infertility (inability to ovulate). In clinical medicine it is specifically referred to as a nonsteroidal ovulatory stimulant. The drug works by interacting with oestrogen receptors, often in an antagonistic manner, in various tissues of the body including the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, endometrium, vagina, and cervix. One main focus is that the drug will oppose the negative feedback of oestrogens on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, enhancing the release of gonadotropins (LH and FSH). This surge in gonadotropins may cause egg release (follicular rupture), ideally leading to conception. Clomifene citrate is chemically a synthetic oestrogen with both agonist/antagonist properties, and in this regard is very similar in structure and action to Tamoxifen citrate. Therapeutic use: Clomifene citrate is FDA approved for the treatment of women with ovulatory dysfunction preventing pregnancy. This drug is commonly used as a fertility treatment for females in the UK, but not typically for males. How it is supplied: Clomifene citrate is most commonly supplied in tablets of 50 mg. How it is used: When used by men (off-label) to mitigate the oestrogenic side effects of anabolic/androgenic steroid use, a daily dosage of 50-1 00 mg (1-2 tablets) is usually administered while any offending steroids are taken. Note, however, that tamoxifen is usually given preference over clomifene citrate for this purpose. More commonly, clomifene citrate is used by men at a dosage of 50-100 mg per day for 30 days at the conclusion of a steroid cycle, in an effort to bring natural testosterone production back to normal levels. Here, it is usually deemed most appropriate to use as part of a multi-component post-cycle recovery program. Female athletes occasionally use clomifene citrate for the reduction of estrogenicity near the time of a bodybuilding contest. In some instances this may aid in increasing fat loss and muscularity, particularly in female trouble areas such as the hips and thighs. The drug, however, often produces very troubling side effects in pre-menopausal women, and is likewise not in very high demand among this group.

Some patients using clomifene citrate notice blurring or other visual disturbances such as spots or flashes. These symptoms occur more frequently at higher doses or longer durations of therapy, and often disappear within a few days or weeks of use. Prolonged visual disturbances have been reported after the discontinuation of clomifene citrate therapy, however, and in some cases may be irreversible. Those taking clomifene citrate should be warned that these symptoms might make activities like driving a car or operating heavy machinery more hazardous than usual. While the exact cause of these visual symptoms is not yet understood, it is advisable to discontinue treatment and have a thorough medical/opthalmological examination should they occur. It has also been widely reported by steroid users that use of clomifene has led to mood changes such as depression. This can sometimes be quite severe, such that some users have permanently discontinued use of this drug.